The Africa unit of the Public Integrity and Openness (PIO) Department of GGP seeks to recruit a highly organized, energized and experienced professional, capable of operating effectively in a very demanding fragile, post conflict and capacity constrained environment to serve as the Country Office Senior Procurement Specialist. This position is geared to assisting the World Bank staff, Sierra Leone Government and other agencies in implementing World Bank-financed programs by providing critical procurement advice and support. The ideal candidate would combine a deep understanding of project procurement in different sectors with a considerable knowledge of the budget execution issues in Sierra Leone. S/he will have demonstrated operational and analytic skills and will possess strong knowledge and understanding of project procurement management. Fluency in English is required.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Help implement and further develop GGODR activities in Sierra Leone with regard to Public Procurement;
• Work across countries/sectors; be responsible for reviewing and handling the technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all stages of the project cycle, including analysis of systemic and other procurement issues, procurement planning, design, implementation and management, and training.
• Provide operational advice to clients and Bank staff on concepts, policies and procedures for international and local procurement;
• Participate in the country’s procurement assessment, prepare background analysis, collaborate on developing appropriate public procurement legislation and practices and tailor instrument to meet specific client needs;
• Negotiate and resolve difficult procurement issues with Borrower agencies and handle questions/complaints from senior officials and contractors on bidding and award issues;
• Play a leadership and advisory role to clients and colleagues in handling complex procurement tasks and issues, which frequently cut across sectors, countries and/or work units;
• Make significant contributions in evaluating and developing improvements to borrower’s procurement regulation/practices, including influencing the design, reforms and establishment of national and subnational public procurement systems and strengthening of institutional capacity within borrower entities.
Desired Skills and Experience
• MA/MS (An advanced degree with a major in relevant discipline (e.g. Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business or Commerce).
• 8 years state-of- the-art knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices which govern international procurement, the contracting of consultants services, technical specifications in design, engineering and construction of facilities, the development of public procurement policies, etc.
• Seasoned knowledge and specialized command of all major facets of Bank procurement policies and practices as applied across a wide range of Bank lending operational at all phases of the project cycle, and ability to address broader issues at sector/country level;
• In-depth understanding of Bank operational policies and practices related to projects/sector work;
• Knowledge of developing country conditions generally and of procurement-related legislation, systems and practices;
• Good understanding of critical linkages and relationships among clients’ business drivers, business operations and objectives and Procurement processes;
• Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major projects;
• Ability to promote client commitment to ensuring implementation and longer-term sustainability of projects/programs.
For further details and to apply, please go to www.worldbank.org/careers and under “current job openings” seek vacancy number 141544. Deadline for applications is January 8, 2015.
